Decreased expression of the m6A RNA methyltransferase METTL3 is associated with residual ridge resorption.

Objective: N6-methyladenosine (m6A) methylation and its regulators play crucial roles in the progression of osteoporosis (OP) by regulating the expression of osteoporosis-related genes. In this study, we have analyzed the expression of methyltransferase-like 3 (METTL3) and its target gene Runt-related transcription factor 2 (RUNX2) in patients with residual ridge resorption (RRR). Materials and methods: A total 50 number of participants were included in this comparative study (RRR - n25 and healthy control - n25). Total RNA was extracted from peripheral blood and converted into cDNA. METTL3 and RUNX2 expression levels were quantified using RT-qPCR with GAPDH as the reference gene. Bioinformatics tools were used to identify gene functions and pathways. Results: Real-time polymerase chain reaction (qPCR) revealed that METTL3 and RUNX2 expression was downregulated in the RRR group compared to that in healthy controls (P < 0.05). In silico functional analysis provided information regarding the role of METTL3 in various biological processes. Conclusion: Our findings suggest that METTL3 dysregulation contributes to RRR pathogenesis. Further large-scale samples and functional studies are required to identify their therapeutic potential.

Dysregulated m6A methylation modification is associated with human peri-implantitis - A pilot study.

BACKGROUND: N6-methyladenosine (m6A) RNA modification and its regulatory enzymes play important roles in the modulation of inflammation by regulating inflammation-related gene expression. Dysregulation of m6A has been associated with inflammatory diseases, including periodontitis. This study aimed to investigate the potential role of m6A modification and its master regulatory enzyme METTL3 in patients with peri­implantitis. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Peri-implant soft tissues from 20 subjects (10 healthy controls and 10 patients with peri­implantitis) were enrolled in this study. Quantitative reverse transcription PCR (RT-qPCR) was used to detect METTL3 gene expression and western blotting was used to detect METTL3 protein expression. The m6A mRNA levels were measured using an m6A-RNA methylation quantification kit. Protein-protein interaction networks and in silico functional analyses were conducted using various bioinformatics tools. RESULTS: m6A mRNA levels significantly increased in the peri­implantitis group. Higher METTL3 mRNA and protein levels were observed in the peri­implantitis group. High METTL3 expression might influence elevated levels of m6A RNA methylation. In addition, in silico functional analysis indicated that the METTL3 gene and protein were associated with inflammatory pathways. CONCLUSIONS: Our data provide evidence, for the first time, that dysregulation of m6A modification is associated with peri­implantitis and may represent a strong risk factor for this inflammatory disease.